ferienregion.infoWhy the Bavarian Forest?
“Let nature be nature” – under this motto, a genuine primeval forest has been growing in the Bavarian Forest National Park for over 50 years. Together with the Czech Šumava it forms the largest continuous area of protected forest in Central Europe, with lynxes, wolf packs in the animal enclosure and the famous treetop walk with its “tree egg” tower. Price-wise the region is unbeatable: holiday apartments and inns often cost half of what you’d pay in the Allgäu.
Best time to visit
| Period | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| May – October | Hiking (Goldsteig trail), national park tours, cycling |
| September – October | Red deer rut, seas of fog over the ridges – best time for photos |
| December – March | Grosser Arber ski area, cross-country skiing, winter hiking – more snow-sure than most low mountain ranges |
| April & November | Low season: very cheap; glassworks and museums for rainy days |
The most beautiful spots
Lusen national park centre & treetop walk
The animal enclosure near Neuschönau shows lynx, wolf and bear in huge natural habitats; right next door, the 1.3 km treetop walk leads to the 44 m “tree egg” with panoramic views.
Grosser Arber & Arbersee
The highest peak of the Bavarian Forest, with a gondola lift and the region’s biggest ski area in winter. At its foot lies the dark, legend-shrouded Grosser Arbersee.
Lusen & the “stone sea”
The striking granite summit with its sea of bare boulders – the national park’s most spectacular hike, easily done from Waldhäuser.
Bodenmais & the Glass Route
The region’s best-known holiday resort, plus glass-blowing artistry in Frauenau and Zwiesel along the Glass Route.
Where to stay
The Bavarian Forest is the value-for-money paradise among German holiday regions: farm stays, guesthouses and spa hotels often well under €100 per night. Popular bases: Bodenmais, Zwiesel, Neuschönau and Sankt Englmar.
See hotels in the Bavarian Forest* Find holiday rentals*Activities & tours
Classics: treetop walk tickets, guided ranger tours in the national park (many free but requiring registration), glass-blowing demonstrations and the summer toboggan run in Sankt Englmar. In winter: ski passes for the Arber.
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